Bandits on Wednesday invaded Ebbo community in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State killing a vigilante and leaving another with gunshot wound.
It was gathered that several villagers were also abducted in several attacks on communities in the state.
The bandits reportedly stormed Ebbo community around 10:45 pm on Wednesday, September 14, and went straight to the vigilante office where they killed one of the vigilantes and shot another one in the leg.
It was also learnt that the Wednesday attack came four days after the neighbouring communities of Kpada and Yaba, border communities to the Federal Capital Territory, were attacked during which at least one person also lost his life while several residents fled their homes.
Residents said attackers also raided Angwan Dajin Gomna in Kpada community and kidnapped five persons before moving to Zago village and lafiyan Zago where they abducted 10 others after operating for hours.
Residents said the area had been under constant attacks in the last few months, scaring residents and farmers away from going about their normal duties.
“We were at a viewing centre watching football when we heard sporadic shooting of guns. We all ran out and it was bandits in their numbers. We had to run for our dear lives.
” But as I speak with you, our vigilantes are after them in the bush,” a resident told Daily Trust.
The leader of the vigilantes in Ebbo community, Mallam Yusuf Adalami, told Daily Trust that the injured member had been rushed to Gulu General Hospital while his men were on the trail of the bandits who fled into forests.
He said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on his members.
“They came on motorcycles in their numbers and came straight to our office.
” They started shooting sporadically at our office. Our major challenge is lack of weapons.
“We don’t have the kind of weapons they use,” Adalami said.
“Even when we were to take one of our members who sustained severe injuries, we didn’t get vehicle easily.
“And on our way, the car broke down again. It took hours before we could get another car to take him to the hospital.
“His condition is severe; we may have to take him to another place for treatment.”
